Spectrum - 700 MHz and 800 MHz Ecosystem Evolution

700 MHz and 800 MHz Ecosystem Evolution

Demand for radio spectrum has never been greater in order to support the forecast growth of mobile broadband and voice services and new use cases for mobility and cellular-based technologies including segments like the Internet of Things (IoT). In view of the actual and forecast traffic growth, no single mobile spectrum band can be expected to provide all the demands predicted. Consequently combining spectrum allocations from different bands utilising LTE-Advanced technology is increasingly commonplace.

This paper focuses in particular on developments in two specific and critical spectrum bands. These are 800 MHz band 20 and 700 MHz band 28. Both bands are excellent for wide area coverage in regional and rural environments, for in-building coverage, and represent an important digital dividend arising from the shift by TV broadcasters to digital transmissions.